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Everything goes in cycles for being in style or in demand, and as such, some home features don't stay popular forever, either.  Many people are now looking to downsize and build or buy smaller homes, which are more economical in many ways.  At the same time, those features that were so important to buyers in the past seem to be fading in desire for todays market. 

The fireplace skyrocketed in importance with homes in 1991, with 62% of new homes having one or more.  But the number has steadily been decreasing ever since.  However, this does not include the summer kitchens that are now popular with outdoor fireplaces and cooking facilities. 

While 54% of homes still have carpet floors, the number is decreasing and hardwood floors are taking the place in popularity.  Vinyl and ceramic tile flooring are also being bypassed more by buyers and they look for hardwood floors throughout the entire house.

Living rooms are slowly vanishing from newer homes, and instead a larger "great room" is utilized as the gathering place for family.  No longer is it a necessity to have both living and family rooms, but rather one larger room is more desirable.

Desks in the kitchen were once looked at as great storage areas but they're often too small and quickly become clutter spaces.  Instead, consumers say they prefer larger desks in or near the great room or den, ideally equipped with a messaging center, where they can keep an eye on their kids as they work on the computer.

Skylights or solar lights are falling out of style.  Very few people will include them in a new home, and owners of older homes are sometimes opting to remove them.

Even the highly sought after granite countertops are slowing becoming less desirable among buyers who are once again moving toward affordable, low-maintenance laminate countertops, which tend to last longer and now come in various styles - much more attractive from in the past.

When thinking of home improvements or making changes to sell a home, be sure to incorporate home features that will not only add value to the home but are still popular with buyers.  Of course, a floor plan cannot be changed, but there are many other things that can update a home and make it stand out from others on the market.